Deuteronomy 14:24

KJV

And if the way be too long for thee, so that thou art not able to carry it; [or] if the place be too far from thee, which the LORD thy God shall choose to set his name there, when the LORD thy God hath blessed thee:

KJV (with Strong's)

And if the way {H1870} be too long {H7235} for thee, so that {H3588} thou art not able {H3201} to carry {H5375} it; or if the place {H4725} be too far {H7368} from thee, which the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} shall choose {H977} to set {H7760} his name {H8034} there, when the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} hath blessed {H1288} thee:

Complete Jewish Bible

But if the distance is too great for you, so that you are unable to transport it, because the place where ADONAI chooses to put his name is too far away from you; then, when ADONAI your God prospers you,

Berean Standard Bible

But if the distance is too great for you to carry that with which the LORD your God has blessed you, because the place where the LORD your God will choose to put His Name is too far away,

American Standard Version

And if the way be too long for thee, so that thou art not able to carry it, because the place is too far from thee, which Jehovah thy God shall choose, to set his name there, when Jehovah thy God shall bless thee;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 14:24 addresses a crucial practical consideration within the Mosaic Law concerning the bringing of the second tithe to the central place of worship. This verse acknowledges the logistical challenges faced by Israelites living far from the designated sanctuary, particularly when God had blessed them with an abundant harvest, making the physical transport of their tithes impractical due to distance or sheer volume. It highlights God's compassionate understanding of human limitations and sets the stage for a divinely provided, flexible solution that ensures joyful obedience rather than burdensome ritual.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 14:24 is embedded within a broader section of laws concerning tithing and offerings, specifically following the command in [Deuteronomy 14:22-23](/deuteronomy/14-22 "Deuteronomy 14:22-23 - The Command to Tithe Annually") for Israelites to bring their annual second tithe (ma'aser sheni) to the central sanctuary to be eaten in a celebratory feast before the LORD. This tithe, distinct from the Levitical tithe, was intended for the worshipper and their household to share in a communal meal, fostering gratitude and fellowship. Verse 24 anticipates the practical dilemma of transporting large quantities of produce or livestock over long distances, which would become increasingly difficult as Israel expanded and settled the land. The immediate solution to this problem is provided in the very next verse, [Deuteronomy 14:25](/deuteronomy/14-25 "Deuteronomy 14:25 - The Solution for Distant Worshippers"), which permits converting the tithe into money for easier transport, to be reconverted into goods at the sanctuary. This passage underscores the Deuteronomic emphasis on centralized worship, as seen throughout [Deuteronomy 12](/deuteronomy/12 "Deuteronomy 12 - Laws Concerning Worship at the Central Sanctuary"), where the "place which the LORD your God will choose" is repeatedly stressed as the sole legitimate site for national worship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel was primarily an agrarian society, and travel was arduous. Distances were covered on foot or by animal, and there were no modern means of preservation or transportation. After the conquest and settlement of Canaan, Israelites would be dispersed across a significant geographical area, making the journey to a single central sanctuary (which would eventually be Jerusalem) a multi-day or even multi-week undertaking for many. Carrying a tenth of one's agricultural produce or livestock—especially after a bountiful harvest, as implied by "when the LORD thy God hath blessed thee"—would be an immense logistical challenge, potentially spoiling perishable goods or exhausting the travelers and their animals. The command to bring the tithe to the central sanctuary was revolutionary, contrasting with the decentralized worship practices of surrounding pagan cultures and even earlier Israelite traditions. This centralization was designed to prevent idolatry, promote national unity, and ensure the purity of worship.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Deuteronomy. First, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Accommodation and Practicality**. God, in His infinite wisdom and compassion, understands the real-world limitations and practical difficulties His people would face in fulfilling His commands. He desires their joyful obedience, not burdensome ritualism, and thus provides a flexible solution that acknowledges their human constraints. Second, the repeated emphasis on "the place which the LORD thy God shall choose to set his name there" reinforces the critical theme of **Centralization of Worship**. This unified sanctuary was essential for establishing Israel's national identity, preventing syncretism, and fostering communal reverence for the one true God. It signified the place where God's character, authority, and covenant relationship with Israel would be publicly acknowledged and invoked. Finally, the phrase "when the LORD thy God hath blessed thee" highlights the theme of **Stewardship and Blessing**. The tithe is presented not as a tax or a burden, but as a grateful response to God's generosity and provision. It acknowledges that all prosperity comes from Him, and giving back a portion is an act of trust and thanksgiving, demonstrating their reliance on the Giver of all good things, as also seen in [Deuteronomy 8:18](/deuteronomy/8-18 "Deuteronomy 8:18 - Remember the LORD Your God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Too long (Hebrew, _rāḥōq'_):** This adjective means "far," "distant," or "remote." In the context of Deuteronomy 14:24, it literally refers to the physical distance of the worshiper's home from the central sanctuary. However, it also encapsulates the practical impossibility or extreme difficulty of transporting bulky or perishable goods over such distances. It highlights God's recognition of the logistical burdens placed upon His people by the command to bring their tithes to a single, distant location.
* **Set his name there (Hebrew, _lašūm šĕmōw šām'_):** This is a profound theological phrase that appears frequently in Deuteronomy, particularly in relation to the central sanctuary. It does not imply that God's omnipresence is confined to a physical location, but rather that this designated place is where His character, authority, and covenant relationship with Israel would be publicly acknowledged, honored, and invoked. It signifies a place of divine revelation, authorized worship, and special manifestation of His glory and presence among His people, distinguishing it from unauthorized altars or pagan sites.
* **Hath blessed thee (Hebrew, _bārakh'_):** The verb "bless" here indicates divine favor and prosperity, specifically in the context of agricultural abundance and thriving livestock. This phrase is crucial because it frames the tithe as a direct response to God's generosity. The very problem of the tithe being "too much" to carry is a direct result of God's abundant blessing, underscoring the paradox that their prosperity creates the logistical challenge, which God then graciously addresses. It reinforces the idea that all good things come from God's hand.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if the way be too long for thee, so that thou art not able to carry it":** This clause sets up the primary practical dilemma. It acknowledges the physical distance and the resulting inability to transport the substantial quantity of the second tithe. The "it" refers to the produce and livestock designated for the tithe, implying a volume that would be unmanageable for a long journey, especially given the lack of modern transportation and preservation methods. This shows God's realistic understanding of human physical limitations.
* **"[or] if the place be too far from thee, which the LORD thy God shall choose to set his name there":** This part reinforces the geographical challenge in relation to the divinely appointed central sanctuary. The phrase "which the LORD thy God shall choose to set his name there" emphasizes the divine prerogative in designating this unique place of worship, highlighting its sacred and exclusive nature. The distance is not merely a geographical fact but a theological one, as it relates to the mandated site for covenantal worship.
* **"when the LORD thy God hath blessed thee":** This concluding phrase provides the context for the problem. The logistical difficulty arises precisely because God has been faithful in providing abundant blessings. The tithe is large because the harvest is bountiful. This subtly underscores the paradox: the very generosity of God creates the practical challenge for His people, which He then provides a solution for, reinforcing His character as both sovereign provider and compassionate Lawgiver.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 14:24 employs several literary devices to convey its message effectively. The primary structure is a **Conditional Clause**, introduced by "And if," which establishes a specific scenario (long distance, inability to carry) for which a subsequent provision (in the following verse, [Deuteronomy 14:25](/deuteronomy/14-25 "Deuteronomy 14:25 - The Solution for Distant Worshippers")) will be made. This demonstrates the Law's practical and adaptive nature. There is also an element of **Divine Accommodation**, where the divine law is shown to be sensitive to human realities and limitations, rather than being an unyielding, burdensome command. This contrasts with a purely legalistic approach and highlights God's desire for genuine, joyful obedience. Furthermore, the verse uses **Anticipation**, setting up a problem that immediately foreshadows the solution presented in the very next verse, creating a sense of logical progression and divine foresight within the legal code. The repetition of "the LORD thy God" and "set his name there" also serves as a form of **Emphasis**, underscoring the divine authority behind the command and the sacredness of the chosen place.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 14:24 offers profound theological insights into God's character and His relationship with His people. It reveals a God who is not only holy and just, demanding obedience to His commands, but also immensely practical, compassionate, and understanding of human limitations. The provision for converting the tithe into money demonstrates that God values the spirit of the law—joyful worship, gratitude, and communal celebration—over a rigid, burdensome adherence to the letter when circumstances make it impractical. This flexibility ensures that obedience remains a delight and not a chore, reflecting God's desire for a relationship characterized by grace and wisdom, even within the strictures of the Old Covenant law. It teaches that true worship is not about overcoming impossible obstacles through sheer human effort, but about responding faithfully to God's provision and wisdom.

* [Deuteronomy 12:5](/deuteronomy/12-5 "Deuteronomy 12:5 - The Chosen Place for God's Name")
* [Deuteronomy 14:25](/deuteronomy/14-25 "Deuteronomy 14:25 - The Solution for the Tithe")
* [Proverbs 3:9-10](/proverbs/3-9 "Proverbs 3:9-10 - Honor the LORD with Your Wealth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 14:24, while rooted in ancient Israelite tithing practices, offers timeless principles for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is deeply understanding of human limitations and practical challenges in our walk of faith. He desires obedience that flows from a willing heart, not from a sense of impossible burden or rigid adherence to rules that become unmanageable. This verse encourages us to seek practical wisdom in our stewardship and worship today. Just as God provided a means for His people to fulfill their obligations joyfully despite logistical hurdles, He continues to provide avenues for us to honor Him with our resources and time, even amidst the complexities of modern life. We are called to be faithful stewards of the blessings God has given us, and this passage reassures us that God's commands are designed for our good and His glory, never to crush us under an unbearable weight. It prompts us to consider how we can serve God with both zeal and practical wisdom, adapting our methods without compromising our devotion, ensuring that our acts of worship and giving remain expressions of gratitude and trust, rather than mere duty.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's consideration for practical challenges in this verse inform our understanding of His character?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to turn spiritual duties into burdensome rituals, and how does this verse encourage joyful obedience?**
* **How can we apply the principle of divine accommodation and practical wisdom to our stewardship and worship in contemporary life?**

### FAQ
**What was the "second tithe" and how was it different from other tithes?**

Answer: The "second tithe" (ma'aser sheni) mentioned in Deuteronomy 14 was a unique annual tithe that the Israelite family was commanded to bring to the central sanctuary. Unlike the first tithe (ma'aser rishon), which was given to the Levites for their support (Numbers 18:21-24), the second tithe was to be consumed by the worshipper and their household in a festive meal before the LORD at the chosen place of worship, symbolizing rejoicing in God's provision. Every third year, this tithe was kept locally and given to the Levites, the foreigners, the fatherless, and the widows in their towns ([Deuteronomy 14:28-29](/deuteronomy/14-28 "Deuteronomy 14:28-29 - The Third-Year Tithe")). The provision in [Deuteronomy 14:24](/deuteronomy/14-24 "Deuteronomy 14:24 - The Challenge of the Second Tithe") and [Deuteronomy 14:25](/deuteronomy/14-25 "Deuteronomy 14:25 - The Solution for the Second Tithe") specifically addresses the practicality of bringing this festival tithe to the central location.

**Why was a "central place" so important for Israelite worship?**

Answer: The establishment of a single, central place of worship, repeatedly referred to as "the place which the LORD thy God shall choose to set his name there" (e.g., [Deuteronomy 12:5](/deuteronomy/12-5 "Deuteronomy 12:5 - The Chosen Place of Worship")), was profoundly significant for ancient Israel. Theologically, it was crucial for maintaining the purity and unity of Israel's worship of the one true God. It prevented the proliferation of unauthorized altars and pagan practices that could easily lead to idolatry and syncretism, which were constant temptations in the ancient Near East. Sociologically, it fostered national unity and identity, bringing the tribes together for communal feasts and celebrations, reinforcing their shared covenant relationship with Yahweh. This centralization ensured that national worship was conducted according to God's specific instructions, under the oversight of the Levitical priesthood, and served as a visible representation of God's unique presence among His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 14:24, with its emphasis on God's compassionate accommodation for human limitations in worship, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The Old Covenant law, while holy and good, often highlighted the vast "distance" between a holy God and sinful humanity, and the practical difficulties of drawing near to Him through prescribed rituals. Jesus Christ, however, is the ultimate fulfillment of God's provision and accommodation. He is the one who bridges the "too long" way and the "too far" place between God and humanity. The Word became flesh and "dwelt among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), bringing God's presence directly to us, eliminating the need for a physical, distant sanctuary. Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ has made a way for us to draw near to God with confidence, not through burdensome rituals or the transport of physical goods, but through faith in His finished work ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")). Our worship is no longer confined to a specific geographical location, but is now "in spirit and truth," accessible to all believers through Christ, who is the true temple ([John 4:21-24](/john/4-21 "John 4:21-24 - True Worship")). He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), providing the ultimate "blessing" and the means for us to offer ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God, which is our spiritual worship ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")). In Christ, the practical difficulties of the Old Covenant are transcended by the grace and freedom of the New Covenant, allowing for joyful, unhindered access to God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 12:21

If the place which the LORD thy God hath chosen to put his name there be too far from thee, then thou shalt kill of thy herd and of thy flock, which the LORD hath given thee, as I have commanded thee, and thou shalt eat in thy gates whatsoever thy soul lusteth after.

Deuteronomy 12:5

¶ But unto the place which the LORD your God shall choose out of all your tribes to put his name there, [even] unto his habitation shall ye seek, and thither thou shalt come:

Deuteronomy 11:24

Every place whereon the soles of your feet shall tread shall be yours: from the wilderness and Lebanon, from the river, the river Euphrates, even unto the uttermost sea shall your coast be.

Exodus 23:31

And I will set thy bounds from the Red sea even unto the sea of the Philistines, and from the desert unto the river: for I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand; and thou shalt drive them out before thee.